Why open center caps?

[Bigdaddy80]

I've got a 76 k10 with the permanent 4 wheel drive.  I do not have locking hubs on the front tires yet have open center caps.  Is there a reason for this?  Can I just buy a pair of closed caps and seal them up.  Appreciate any insight.  Thanks

[zieg85]

You should have little chrome caps where the locking/unlocking mechanism usually is on a 1/2-3/4T
post a picture

[VileZambonie]

It let's people know you have a 4x4 

[Bigdaddy80]

Zieg85 - the permanent 4 wheel drives don't have locking hubs.  The only thing under the cap is the bearings.

[zieg85]

Zieg85 - the permanent 4 wheel drives don't have locking hubs.  The only thing under the cap is the bearings.

yep and it is chrome as I said in my reply

[Bigdaddy80]

I suppose my question is whether I can just trade it out with a closed cap like my rear wheel?

[roundhouse]

You can.  But then you won't be able to see it when it starts leaking grease

[VileZambonie]

Take the back one and see if it fits over the hub on the front. If it does than there's no real reason why you can't although most guys convert to part time.